Rceiver Help/Suggestions Please!

[Erman_94]

I know there are hundreds of threads of people looking for suggestions on new receivers and such and believe me I have looked through most of them before posting. I am making my own thread because many of these threads are specific to the OP (i.e. budget, BD player etc.)

So any help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Here's my situation:
-I need a new receiver to finally hear HD audio!
-I have never owned a receiver so needless to say I am not too familar with what I need and don't need
-I live in Canada (so I don't know if your suggestions will be affected by this)
-I am using the PS3 as my blu ray player
-My budget is anything up to $600-700 (but is flexible, I want something to last!)
-I would like something that decodes all the new audio codecs (even though the ps3 does this internally, I want my receiver to be future proof)
-The more HDMI inputs the better (only need one output I think)
-I would prefer Burr Brown DACs (to make the most of the sound im hearing, or if there are other DACs that can compare then that is also welcome)
-THX certification isn't a deal breaker, nor is video upconversion (I don't know why I would need video upconversion, so if someone could explain, that would be great too)


Most of all, I would prefer to build my home theater system slowly and with quality.

If anymore info is needed don't hesitate to ask.

Thank you all in advance for the advice and I am hoping to have a brand new receiver for this upcoming holiday season

[crackinhedz]

Yamaha HTR-6160

Its basically the RX-V663.

[Erman_94]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

Yamaha HTR-6160

Its basically the RX-V663.

thanks for the suggestion...why is it called the 6160 though? Is that the canadian name or something?

*also...i should mention i will be using my receiver for strictly movie/tv/games and NOT for music...so i would like one that sounds best with those, thanks

[crackinhedz]

What is the difference between the RX-V line and the HTR line AV receivers ?

There are many similarities between these two product lines. The RX-V line and the HTR line are produced in the same Yamaha factory using the same high quality parts throughout. The RX-V and equivalent HTR models have the same warranty periods; the same manufacturers suggested retail price, the same features, and the same remote control units. There is a cosmetic difference found on the front panels of these two lines. The RX-V line maintains the traditional white colored lettering normally found on most Yamaha components, while the HTR line provides a slightly different approach. Yamaha has created a new look by using gold colored lettering in selected areas on the HTR receiver series. However, both the RX-V line and the HTR line feature the same high quality black metal front panel construction. The amplifiers in the HTR and RX-V units are identical but rated differently to comply with the accepted measurement standards of their respective channels of distribution. Both ratings are FTC approved and are designed to handle the dynamics of today's audio and video sources. The RX-V line has the power amplifiers rated from 20-20000 Hz. The HTR line has the power amplifiers rated at 1000 Hz. Both lines can reproduce the full frequency response of 20-20000 Hz. The RX-V line is typically sold through Yamaha authorized audio/video specialty retailers, and is not available for mail order sales. The HTR line is sold through mass merchants, catalog retailers, and department stores. You may also purchase the HTR line through the mail. All transactions must be done through the authorized Yamaha dealer network. Any purchase made from an unauthorized dealer/retailer voids the Yamaha manufacturer's warranty.

[Erman_94]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

What is the difference between the RX-V line and the HTR line AV receivers ?

thanks for the clarification

any other suggestions crackinhedz? or do you think the yamaha is my best bet? (i should act quick if it is, that sale ends in a few days)

*also, is pcm all i will hear from my ps3 with this receiver? or is it like that with every receiver when using the ps3 as your BD player?

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by Erman_94

any other suggestions crackinhedz?

Pioneer VSX-1018

This would be comparable to the Yamaha, and perhaps a nicer look.


There is also a Denon that caught my eye, but for the ~$200 more in price, don't know that the gain would be worth it. The Yamaha and Pioneer offer quite a bit at their price. They would make a great purchase.

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by Erman_94

*also, is pcm all i will hear from my ps3 with this receiver? or is it like that with every receiver when using the ps3 as your BD player?

every receiver you will buy (if they handle hdmi audio) will say "PCM"...because the PS3 can only output HD audio via PCM.

[Erman_94]

so is it safe to say that whether i get the pioneer or yamaha i would essentially be getting a very similar receiver? (are there any major differences between the two?)


also, they both say "6 ohm capable" ...does this mean i can not match it with speakers higher than 6 ohms?

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by Erman_94

so is it safe to say that whether i get the pioneer or yamaha i would essentially be getting a very similar receiver? (are there any major differences between the two?)

well, You would have to do a bit of spec reading to know the major differences. But overall they would provide similar features. HDMI / AV Component switching, adequate wattage, full audio decoding if ever needed etc.

also, they both say "6 ohm capable" ...does this mean i can not match it with speakers higher than 6 ohms?

6 ohm or higher is ok.

[Erman_94]

thanks for all the help

differences i noticed were:

yamaha - extra subwoofer capability

pioneer - extra hdmi in

it doesnt state if the pioneer has banana plug terminals...does anyone know if it does?

[Driver_King]

You could also look at Onkyo's line if you want some more choices.

[Erman_94]

Originally Posted by Driver_King

You could also look at Onkyo's line if you want some more choices.

ya i initially wanted to look at them but finding onkyo's in canada for a good price is like finding a needle in a haystack

[bigpapy]

Get the Yamaha RX-V663 good entry level reciver

[Driver_King]

Check this refurbished one out. It seems like a good deal for the 875.

[Erman_94]

Originally Posted by Driver_King

Check this refurbished one out. It seems like a good deal for the 875.

600 pounds is too much for me, i live in canada and am willing to spend around 600 dollars

[Erman_94]

Originally Posted by bigpapy

Get the Yamaha RX-V663 good entry level reciver

ya, think i might get the htr 6160 (hard to find the 663 in canada for a good price and ive read the difference between the two from the link provided by crackinhedz and it is very little)

[Johnny Vinyl]

I have the Yamaha HTR-6190B, which I bought at Future Shop in Toronto last year. I know it is a bit higher than what you are looking for, but I just wanted to let you know that I am very, very pleased with this A/V receiver.

Unlike yourself, my system also doubles as a 2-Channel only system for now, so the PHONO input on the 6190 was a key decision maker.

Bottom line is...you can't go wrong with the Yahama 6160 that was suggested earlier, especially if you can still get it on-sale.

[Erman_94]

thanks for the reassurance john

another question for you guys...

-it says it supports DTS HD (is this the same as DTS HD-MA?)
-also, if i want to watch a pcm blu ray (i.e casino royale)...i can hear the pcm track with the yammy 6160 and pioneer 1018 right?

[jomari]

Originally Posted by Erman_94

thanks for all the help

it doesnt state if the pioneer has banana plug terminals...does anyone know if it does?

yup. its got banana plug terminals.

you can plug bananas in there.

[Erman_94]

alright it is definitely down to the pioneer 1018 or the yammy 6160

final questions:

-would i be able to hear pcm tracks with these receivers?
-the site im looking at doesnt state that the 1018 decodes DTS HD or Dolby TrueHD (im assuming it does, but just need some clarification)
- and lastly, quality wise (both sound quality and reliability) which of these receivers would YOU get?